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I am reminded often of something that my uncle once told me: "Time moves on." He was right of course - and that's never been more true in the world of higher education. Largely the preserve of the well-to-do in the past, higher education has proven to be a means of upward mobility for millions in our world today.

Where is higher education heading in our century, the 21st century? Perhaps the most fundamental shift has occurred because of the availability of the PC (personal computer) and the Internet. Because of the Internet, our planet is 'shrinking' - and distance is less of a factor in our travel and in our decision-making. It is now possible to carry on all sorts of activities with others physically located all over the globe. In educational circles this has ushered in the era of 'Distance Learning.'

Simply put, distance learning involves participation in classes and academic coursework when one lives and works in a location that is far removed from the school which is offering the course in which you are enrolled. Computer technology makes all of this possible - and the Internet serves as the 'channel' of communication and information exchange.

All of this has particular relevance for the United States, of course, as our population is aging. And the older the student, the more life responsibilities she or he has probably taken on - child rearing, full-time jobs, etc. Distance learning is an option - perhaps the only option - that will work for them. Course assignments and projects can now be scheduled around other life activities. A brave new world, indeed!

As more and more schools get on the distance learning bandwagon, and revamp their academic programs, this will, in turn, make it possible for an ever-widening circle of adults to take courses and eventually secure college and university degrees. As a result - and just one example - employers will gain access to a workforce that is more educated and better trained. This will pay huge dividends in employee efficiency and effectiveness on the job, and will keep our workforce equipped to pursue the best-paying jobs and careers available.

What is a part of the distance learning experience? Well, after your enrollment is approved (and courses paid for) you will sign in(via your home PC) to a 'virtual campus,' where your course instructor, fellow students and you all interact in a kind of chat room experience. You will be given assignments there, e-mails will be used as a means of communication, and course papers will be uploaded for review. You will often be required to complete assignments in collaboration with other students - just like collaborative projects in the real world.

One of the great things about most distance learning programs is their approach to testing (exams). It is very difficult to replicate traditional examinations online. That is because those kinds of tests basically ask the student to repeat memorized information on paper. Since the student is offline, it is impossible to keep them from looking at their books and notes - so many schools offering distance learning programs have taken a different approach: completion of projects and research that force the student to take the information that they should have mastered, and use that in some way to complete the assignment.

This means that distance learning programs put a premium on 'learning by doing' - not simply spitting out facts that have been memorized. And does this not more accurately mirror the kinds of responsibilities one has in the real world? Graduates of distance learning programs are in fact better prepared to 'hit the ground running' and be productive in their job from the first day of employment.